AFS-13-293-E

June 18, 2013

 Exemption No. 9917B

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2009-0373

Mr. Michael F. Riley

Director

VUE, Inc.

6956 E. Broad Street, Suite 239

Columbus, OH 43213

Dear Mr. Riley:

This letter is to inform you that we have partially granted your petition to amend Exemption 

No. 9917, as amended. It explains the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists the 

conditions and limitations.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated March 21, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of VUE, Inc. (VUE) for an amendment to Exemption No. 9917, as amended. That 

exemption from §§ 91.9(a) and 91.531(a)(1) and (2) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 

allows VUE to train and check pilots of certain Cessna Citation airplanes covered by the 

CE-500 type rating to operate those airplanes with a single pilot, rather than with two as 

required by their type certificate data sheets.

The amendment you request would allow a Pilot Proficiency Examiner (PPE) to conduct the 

required practical tests for completion of the VUE CE-500 single-pilot training programs.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in 

acting on this petition would be detrimental to VUE.
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Our Decision

The FAA has determined that adding an authorization to use a PPE for the flight checks 

identified in Condition/Limitation Nos. 6 and 10 of Exemption No. 9917A does not meet an 

equivalent level of safety. The FAA has also determined that adding an authorization for the 

use of a PPE to evaluate demonstrations of circling approaches, in less than basic visual flight 

rules weather minimums, identified in Condition/Limitation Nos. 8 and 9 does not meet an 

equivalent level of safety. We have found that flight checks administered under the terms of 

this exemption are akin to a certification practical test, and should be conducted by an 

examiner with that authority. We feel that an FAA inspector, a Designated Pilot Examiner 

(DPE), or Training Center Evaluator (TCE) are the only persons qualified to give these initial

flight checks. 

On that basis, the FAA denies your request to add authorizations that would allow a PPE to 

conduct practical tests and evaluate proficiency in circling maneuvers for completion of the 

VUE CE-500 single-pilot training programs. However, the FAA has determined that utilizing

a Pilot Proficiency Examiner (PPE) for renewal checks would meet an equivalent level of 

safety because a PPE is authorized by the Administrator to conduct PIC proficiency checks

required by § 61.58. The FAA finds that an authorized PPE would be able to conduct the 

proficiency check associated with the single-pilot authorization renewal in the CE-500. The 

FAA finds the conduct of this renewal check by a PPE to be at an equivalent level of safety 

relative to proficiency checks that are currently conducted by PPEs for other turbo-jet powered 

aircraft per § 61.58.

On August 31, 2011, the FAA published “Pilot in Command Proficiency Check and Other 

Changes to the Pilot and Pilot School Certification Rules” final rule in the Federal Register 

(76 FR 54095) (copy enclosed) which amended 14 CFR § 61.58. Section 61.58 now requires a 

pilot-in-command (PIC) proficiency check for the type of aircraft identified in this petition. 

The training outlined in the conditions and limitations section of this exemption requires an 

end-of-course check as part of the FAA-approved training program. That check meets the 

requirements for the “proficiency check conducted by a person authorized by the 

Administrator, consisting of the aeronautical knowledge areas, areas of operations, and tasks 

required for a type rating, in an aircraft that is...turbojet-powered...” To that end, the FAA 

has added the following text as Condition/Limitation No. 14: “Successful completion of the 

proficiency check used in the single-pilot initial authorization and authorization renewal 

training program identified in condition/limitation No. 7 satisfies the requirements of the PIC 

proficiency checks required by § 61.58(a)(1) and (2).”
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The FAA has also amended the following conditions and limitations to match other similar 

exemptions. While the relief granted does not change substantially, the petitioner should be 

directed to the new text because some of the conditions and limitations have been modified. 

Specifically;

1. Condition/Limitation Nos. 1, 3-6, 10 (previously 11), 13, 15 (previously 14), 17

(previously 15), 18, and 19 have been edited for clarity or for standardization with 

other similar grants of exemption.

2. Condition/Limitation No. 2 has been modified to indicate future requests for 

extension of this exemption will need to be accompanied by VUE’s training 

manual.

3. Condition/Limitation No. 7 (previously 6) has been amended to allow Pilot 

Proficiency Examiners to conduct renewal proficiency checks required by this 

exemption.

4. Condition/Limitation Nos. 8 and 9 (previously 9 and 10) have been amended to add 

new requirements for circling approaches and “training to proficiency”.

5. Condition/Limitation No. 11 has been added to clarify the requirements for an 

instructor that provides training required by this exemption.

6. Condition/Limitation No. 14 has been added to clarify that the proficiency check 

required by this exemption can be used to satisfy the requirements of 61.58(a)(1) and 

(2).

7. Previous Condition/Limitation No. 16 has been removed as the FAA has determined 

this item is no longer necessary.

8. Condition/Limitation No. 16 (previously 8) has been amended to add a new 

requirement for carrying documentation of the training required by this exemption.

9. Condition/Limitation No. 20 has been added for standardization with other similar 

grants of exemption.

10. Condition/Limitation No. 21 has been added as a new requirement for operations

conducted under the privileges of this exemption using any business name other than 

VUE. 

We advise the petitioner that any future request for extension of this exemption will require 

the submission of a current VUE single-pilot training program manual. 
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The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 9917, as 

amended, remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. Therefore, 

under the authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I have amended and extended your petition, subject to the following 

conditions and limitations. 

Conditions and Limitations

1. This exemption applies to pilots operating Cessna Citation model 500, 550, S550, 552, 

and 560 airplanes who have successfully completed VUE’s approved single-pilot 

authorization course and complied with all of the terms of this exemption.

2. This exemption is effective for the conduct of the required training and checking only 

if VUE’s single-pilot training program receives and maintains approval from the 

FAA’s General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800, 800 Independence 

Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20591.

3. The single-pilot operations described in this exemption may only be conducted under 

part 91. No part 135 operations are authorized under this exemption.

4. Each pilot conducting single-pilot operations under the terms of this exemption 

must—

a. Successfully complete VUE’s CE-500 single-pilot training program before 

conducting such operations;

b. Hold an airline transport pilot certificate with a CE-500 type rating or a 

commercial pilot certificate with an airplane instrument rating and CE-500 type

rating before training under VUE’s CE-500 single-pilot training program;

c. Have logged at least 1,000 hours of total pilot flight time, including at least 

50 hours of night flight time; 75 hours of instrument flight time, 40 hours of 

which are in actual instrument meteorological conditions; and 500 hours as 

pilot-in-command (PIC), SIC, or both, in turbine-powered airplanes;

d. Not perform any circling instrument approaches to minimums of less than 

200 feet and 1 mile above the published minimums until after completing 

100 hours of single-pilot flight experience in CE-500 series airplanes; 

e. Not perform any straight-in instrument approaches to minimums of less than 

100 feet and one-half statute mile visibility above the published minimums 

until after completing 100 hours of single-pilot flight experience in CE-500 

series airplanes;

f. Use a boom microphone; and
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g. Use a fully functioning autopilot that is controllable about three axes and 

capable of approach coupling.

5. The CE-500 single-pilot initial authorization and authorization renewal training 

program must include––

a. Ground instruction appropriate to the CE-500 series airplane given by an 

instructor employed by VUE (designated in accordance with VUE’s approved 

procedures) that covers at least the following aeronautical knowledge areas:

i. Weight and balance computations;

ii. Use of performance charts;

iii. Significance and effects of exceeding airplane performance limitations;

iv. Principles and functions of airplane systems;

v. Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations; 

vi. Night and high-altitude operations; and

vii. Any additional training areas necessary to address safe operations of the

airplane.

b. Flight instruction appropriate to the CE-500 series airplane given by an 

instructor employed by VUE (designated in accordance with VUE’s approved 

procedures) that covers at least the following areas of operation:

i. Preflight preparation;

ii. Preflight inspection and procedures;

iii. Taxiing;

iv. Normal and crosswind takeoffs and departures;

v. In-flight maneuvers including configuration changes, approaches to stalls, 

and steep turns;

vi. Simulated powerplant failure (actual powerplant failure if accomplished in 

a flight simulator);

vii. Instrument procedures;

viii. Precision and nonprecision approaches;
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ix. Missed approaches;

x. Landings and approaches to landings;

xi. Normal and crosswind landings;

xii. Landing with a simulated powerplant failure (actual powerplant failure if 

accomplished in a flight simulator);

xiii. Normal and abnormal procedures;

xiv. Emergency procedures; and

xv. Post-flight procedures.

6. The instruction required in condition/limitation No. 5(b) may be completed in an 

approved flight simulator, qualified as––

a. A Level A or B flight simulator, provided the applicant satisfactorily 

accomplishes as part of the training program the following in-flight maneuvers 

and procedures as sole manipulator of the controls in a CE-500 series airplane:

i. Exterior preflight inspection;

ii. Taxiing;

iii. Normal and crosswind takeoffs (minimum of three);

iv. Normal and crosswind approaches and landings (minimum of three);

v. Landing from a precision approach;

vi. Missed approach;

vii. Approach and landing with a simulated powerplant failure;

viii. Normal approach and landing;

ix. Landing from a circling approach; and

x. Landing from a no flap or nonstandard flap approach.

b. A Level C or D flight simulator provided the applicant has performed at least 

three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop as the sole manipulator of the 

flight controls in the CE-500 series airplane within the preceding 90 days.
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7. An applicant seeking to obtain or renew a single-pilot authorization under this 

exemption must––

a. Satisfactorily complete VUE’s single-pilot training program;

b. Satisfactorily complete the program’s required qualification module, consisting 

of a stand-alone proficiency check in either a CE-500 series airplane, an 

appropriately qualified and approved flight simulator, or a combination thereof;

c. Satisfactorily complete this proficiency check—

i. Within 10 days of completing the training program; 

ii. For those applicants obtaining an initial authorization, the check must be 

under the supervision of an appropriately rated FAA inspector, Designated 

Pilot Examiner (DPE), or Training Center Evaluator (TCE) who is 

qualified and authorized to conduct either § 61.58 proficiency checks or 

type rating practical tests in CE-500 series flight simulators or airplanes, as 

appropriate; and 

iii. For those applicants renewing an authorization, the check must be under 

the supervision of an appropriately rated FAA inspector, DPE, TCE, or 

Pilot Proficiency Examiner (PPE) who is qualified and authorized to 

conduct either § 61.58 proficiency checks or type rating practical tests in 

CE-500 series flight simulators or airplanes, as appropriate. 

d. Satisfactorily complete all tasks listed in the Airline Transport Pilot and 

Aircraft Type Rating Practical Test Standards that are required for an initial 

CE-500 type rating; and

e. Satisfactorily perform all maneuvers and procedures as a single pilot during the 

entire proficiency check. Training to proficiency during the check is not 

permitted, and failure of any maneuver shall result in failure of the proficiency 

check.

8. The circling approach requirement must be accomplished in an airplane or in a 

simulator that is qualified for the circling approach task.

9. Until the circling approach task has been satisfactorily demonstrated to an FAA 

inspector or FAA-designated examiner in an airplane or in a simulator that is qualified 

and approved for the circling approach task––

a. The applicant’s records will be annotated with the statement, “Demonstration 

of circling approach was not accomplished;” and
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b. The applicant must not perform circling approaches as the PIC when weather 

conditions are less than the weather minimums for basic visual flight rules.

10. A person who previously has received a single-pilot authorization in a Cessna Citation 

model 500, 550, S550, 552, or 560 airplane must complete VUE’s single-pilot 

differences training course to obtain a single-pilot authorization for a different Cessna 

Citation model.

11. All flight training conducted in accordance with this exemption conducted in a CE-500 

series airplane must be given by a flight instructor employed by VUE who also meets 

the requirements of condition/limitation No. 4(a), (b), and (c) of this exemption.

12. A person seeking to obtain a single-pilot authorization must satisfactorily complete all 

ground and flight training required by VUE’s FAA-approved single-pilot training 

program and must also receive training on the differences between the Cessna Citation 

model represented by the simulator used for training and checking and the Cessna 

Citation model for which single-pilot authorization is sought.

13. A single-pilot authorization will be valid for 12 calendar months. A person who 

renews a single-pilot authorization in the calendar month before or after the calendar 

month in which it is due is considered to have renewed the single-pilot authorization 

when due.

14. Successful completion of the proficiency check used in the single-pilot initial 

authorization and authorization renewal training program identified in 

condition/limitation No. 7 satisfies the requirements of the PIC proficiency checks 

required by § 61.58(a)(1) and (2). 

15. Each CE-500 series airplane operated under this exemption must have the following 

equipment installed and operational:

a. An autopilot with approach coupling capability;

b. A flight director system;

c. A boom microphone; and

d. A transponder “ident” switch on the pilot’s control wheel.

16. Each person must carry a copy of this exemption and a record from VUE documenting 

successful completion of its training and checking requirements aboard the airplane 

when operating under the terms of the exemption.
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17. Upon request, VUE must provide any representative of the FAA Administrator with an 

analysis of training and checking operations conducted under this exemption with 

respect to program failure rates, extra training time required, accident and incident 

data, and any known problem areas.

18. VUE must maintain records and make them available, when requested, to any 

representative of the FAA Administrator. These records must include all information 

required by §142.73(a), 142.73(c)(1), 142.73(e), and—

a. The dates of training enrollment and completion for each trainee who enrolls in 

VUE’s CE-500 single-pilot training program;

b. The name and number of additional training hours needed by those trainees 

who require more flight training than prescribed in the FAA-approved training 

program to pass the initial authorization or authorization renewal;

c. The name of each trainee who failed to satisfactorily complete VUE’s CE-500 

single-pilot training program (or withdrew from the program ) and the reasons 

for the failure or withdrawal; and

d. The name, certificate number, and address of each person who is authorized to 

operate under this exemption.

19. No person may provide training nor may any person receive training while passengers 

are aboard any aircraft operating for the purpose of meeting the training or checking 

requirements of this exemption.

20. This exemption is valid only for aircraft configured for operation by a single pilot 

seated in the left pilot seat. The privileges of this exemption are prohibited for any 

aircraft with the landing gear lever positioned anywhere to the right of the center of the 

aircraft. 

21. The approved training program authorized by this exemption may not be conducted 

under any business name other than VUE, Inc.

The Effect of Our Decision

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 9917, as amended, to June 30, 

2015, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/S/

John S. Duncan

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service